It weakens the nerves and the action of the heart, and
is a fruitful source of dyspepsia."
"Pooh! I don't believe it will ever hurt me," said Ralph.
"I think it will," said Arthur; "you have not yet attained your growth,
and therefore are the more certain to be injured by its use.
"Max, my boy, I admire your father greatly, particularly his magnificent
physique."
Max flushed with pleasure.
"Do you not wish to be like him in that? as tall and finely developed?"
"Yes, sir; yes, indeed! I want to be like papa in everything!"
"Then eschew tobacco, for it will stunt your growth!"
"But papa smokes," repeated Max.
"Now, but probably he did not until grown," said Arthur. "And very likely
he sometimes wishes he had never contracted the habit. Now I must leave
you for a time, as I have some other patients to visit."
"I told you he was an old fogy," said Ralph, as the door closed on his
brother, adding with an oath, "I believe he wouldn't allow a fellow a bit
of pleasure if he could help it."
Max started, and looked at Ralph with troubled eyes. "I didn't think you
would swear," he said. "If you do, I--I can't be intimate with you,
because my father won't allow it.
Pages:
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163